Your workforce is a diverse one, with employees of different ages, genders, ethnicities and beliefs. This is not surprising as Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and traditions! However, the real question is whether all employees feel included regardless of who they are.

Are some of your employees unwittingly left out by company policies, or the lack thereof? There is no true diversity without inclusion; everyone has to feel like they belong and are not discriminated against. Here are 4 ways your company can promote diversity and inclusion:

1. Clearly Articulate a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Policy

The first way to promote diversity and inclusion in your company is to have a comprehensive DEI policy. Having such a policy in place—and articulating it clearly—demonstrates your company’s commitment to ensure that every employee is treated with dignity.

Begin with a firm declaration to establish a workplace environment free from discrimination and harassment. While it is good to include principles such as fairness and respect, your DEI policy should go beyond expressing mere aspirational values. Your policy ought to contain detailed guidelines which can be carried out in practice.

2. Educate Your Workforce

Educating your workforce goes hand in hand with articulating your DEI policy. In the absence of proper training, the practical guidelines may not be successfully implemented. This is especially crucial for managers who are in charge of recruiting and leading diverse teams.

Hence, your company should develop training programmes geared towards managers, in order to help them hire and mentor team members of different profiles in an inclusive manner. Employees can also be coached on effective communication strategies.

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) offers a slew of briefings, workshops and Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses which you can choose from. Equip your employees with the necessary knowledge to build a harmonious workplace!

3. Offer Flexibility

It is not sufficient to combat discriminatory attitudes which may be present in your workplace. Your company also needs to be sensitive and cater to the needs of different employees. Adopting a one-size-fits-all approach is not equitable; flexibility is key whilst managing a diverse group of employees.

For instance, you can make special concessions for your Muslim employees who must fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. They may choose to work during their lunch breaks and leave the office earlier—or even work remotely. Be accommodating to their requests for flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, avoid organising company meals during this period, so that your Muslim employees won’t have to watch others eat or drink.

4. Celebrate Diversity through Cultural Activities

Make it a point to celebrate cultural events in your workplace. Besides creating more opportunities for your employees to connect, these activities will allow your employees to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. Just take note that all cultural groups should be represented—you do not want any of your employees to feel excluded or left out.

Consider applying for the Community Integration Fund when you organise these cultural activities to foster workplace integration. If your application is approved, your company can receive up to 80 per cent of the total qualifying expenditure of the activity, capped at S$100,000.

Moreover, don’t forget office décor! The office can be decorated with red lanterns and Spring Festival couplets during Chinese New Year. Likewise during Diwali, electric candles can brighten every corner of the office—with a rangoli creation adorning the front entrance.

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